It was eight weeks prior that the Villa attacker found himself on the Stadium of Light pitch, looking confused as Unai Emery scolded him for failing to anticipate a through-ball. At that point, as Villa endured a six-game winless run, doubts remained if Rogers' form were a symptom or the reason for the team's more general malaise.
“As Rogers swept in his second… Emery ripped off his thick padded coat, spread his arms and roared.”
This weekend, though, the sideline response was decidedly more positive. When the in-form star swept in his second to restore his side's advantage, the Spanish tactician tore off his winter coat, threw his arms wide and shouted in triumph. The team continued to a 10th successive win , after failing to win their initial half-dozen matches, find themselves only three points behind table-toppers Arsenal.
Are They Serious Hopefuls?
That’s an exceptionally difficult query to answer. History, the traditional standing of Villa, suggests not. Furthermore, they've rarely been wholly dominant in many games, while the victories have piled up.
As per the data, on just two occasions have Villa posted an expected goals figure significantly higher than their opponents. For a team who have strung together 10 in a row, they appear strangely fragile – yet currently the tight outcomes are falling their way.
The Winning Formula
The current approach looks like to engage in a shootout with an opponent and wait for their star man to bail them out with two crisp finishes. This was the case against Leeds, it happened at West Ham, and once more versus United.
His opener stemmed from a brilliant finish, arced precisely inside the goal frame from a wide position. The follow-up goal was essentially a slight scruffier version of his first as he pounced on a setup by his strike partner.
“Much like Robben with his left, Rogers’ right foot has become a known threat that remains brutally unstoppable, regardless of anticipation.”
Can It Last?
Common sense dictates no. Against United, Manchester United managed a greater number of attempts and more direct attempts. Villa have won each of their last eight by the narrowest of margins. They’ve conceded in all but one of those games.
A statistical correction may well be the biggest rival they have to face over the coming weeks. The forward, almost certainly, cannot maintain blasting the football past despairing goalkeepers forever.
A Case for Belief
Perhaps there is an alternative path in which, rather than results trending towards performances, the team's displays improve to justify the wins. Vital cogs might still rediscover their best form.
- Ollie Watkins may begin to adding to his goal tally.
- The attacking talent might become the force he showed at Borussia Dortmund.
- Tyrone Mings and Pau Torres are due to come back from the treatment room, fortifying a periodically leaky defensive unit.
This could contain the seeds of a genuine bid, yet it seems unlikely can persist in leaning entirely on Morgan Rogers.
Enjoying the Ride
But then, this was unforeseen. Few believed Villa would occupy in the top three for the holidays. And without a doubt earlier this season, no one envisioned the midfielder by the end of the year would be spearheading a championship pursuit and appearing as an essential Three Lions star.
This remarkable period should be enjoyed for the very reason that it seems so surreal. As Rogers positioned himself before the North End at the final whistle leading the celebrations, he appeared to be thoroughly enjoying it. As he deserves to. These spells are uncommon in the sport and should be relished.
